Can certain hair care practices or styles worsen hair loss? That’s for sure. So, rather than keeping your hair under wraps, let’s explore the worst offenders for people experiencing hair thinning and hair loss.

Worst Balding Haircuts

Can a bad haircut cause hair loss? No, but the wrong cut can highlight the fact that your hair is shedding. Here are the worst haircuts for thinning hair:

• Heavily layered and textured cuts: Heavy layers can take the bulk out of your hair, leaving behind straggly ends. So, while some layers can create the illusion of volume, it’s wise to keep them minimal to avoid stringy-looking strands. This includes skipping the trending wolf cut, as it may make hair look sparser.
• Long cuts with frontal balding: A longer length in the back acts like a spotlight, shining on the bald, thinning hairline, with the contrast accentuating the lack of hair in the front.
• The power donut: Not only should you skip the donuts in your diet, but eschew the power donut, or rather, the horseshoe of hair bordering a bald crown. Instead, opt for a clean, all-over shaved dome.
• Asymmetrical cuts: Cuts that are longer on one side and shorter on the other can make thinning more noticeable.
• Incorrectly cut bangs: While it may seem necessary to take your bangs all the way back to where the thinning stops, bangs cut with poor parting or angles can accentuate thinness at the temples and hairline.

Hairstyles to Avoid Hair Loss

Several hairstyles can exacerbate the appearance of thinning hair and hair loss by drawing attention to the sparse areas, creating an unflattering contrast. First, let’s talk about the comb over in the room—one of the worst hairstyles for hair loss. 

Growing out a strip of hair to cover a larger bald spot and combing it over doesn’t really work. While devotees believe it conceals their hair loss, even the most strategic placement draws attention to the balding area, appearing unnatural and potentially making the bald spot seem even bigger. Although most styles can be made to work, this one falls under the category of “What hairstyles should I avoid?” and should be avoided.

Here are some other hairstyles that are less than ideal for people with thinning hair or balding:

• High pompadours, where the hair is styled up and back from the forehead, heighten the appearance of receding temples and hairlines.
• Slicked-back looks using firm gels accentuate scalp visibility, giving the eye a clear view of the hairline or scalp and making thinning and recession more apparent.
• Spiky hair with heavy gel, separating strands to create defined spikes, leaves empty spaces on the scalp visible, highlighting its sparsity.
• Heavily forward-combed styles, which pull hair from the back forward, can highlight the fact that there are bald areas beneath. (Of course, some slight forward combing can disguise early hair thinning).
• Long, straight hair has weight that can pull strands down, accentuating a lack of volume and making sparseness more noticeable.

Hairstyles That Cause Hair Loss

Of course, the causes of hair loss are quite complex and not limited to how you style your hair, but certain hairstyles that inflict prolonged tugging on the hair follicles may lead to traction alopecia—a type of hair loss caused by tension on the follicles. 

In the habit of repeatedly tucking hair under a wig, or throwing it in a ponytail (because out of sight, out of mind helps you stop obsessing on hair loss)? Unfortunately, subjecting it to rigorous styling with tight hairstyles, frequent manipulation, and even excessive brushing can create physical stress on the follicles. This constant tugging can lead to hair breakage and thinning, often accompanied by scalp irritation, redness, and the formation of cysts. 

If you have hair loss concerns, reconsider the following styles to avoid these complications:

• Tight ponytails, braids, and buns: Slicked-back ponytails and tight braids, which look good in the moment, can literally lead to your hair’s long-term downfall, in the form of accelerated thinning and recession.
• Extensions, heavy weaves, wigs & hair toppers: Their weight can pull on natural hair and worsen thinning.
• Hats, scarves, and bandanas: These “cover-ups” to hide thinning hair can hasten hair loss when worn too tightly or secured with clips that tug on the hair.
• Overuse of hot tools: Frequent blow-drying, straightening, or curling can weaken strands and increase breakage.
• Severe part lines: A harsh middle part worn over time can lead to widening of the part and accentuate thin areas. Try a soft zigzag or a side part, instead.

In addition to styling missteps, other habits also need to be eliminated.

• Pulling on your hair: Constant tugging on strands, checking and re-checking bald spots, and willing them to grow will only exacerbate hair loss. If you are compulsively pulling your hair out, seek medical help, as it may be trichotillomania, which calls for a professional.
• Rushing your shampoo: Not taking the time to use your hair loss shampoo properly can limit its effectiveness.
• Overwashing + underwashing: While washing too often can lead to dryness, not washing enough can cause oil, dirt, and product buildup, as well as itching, dandruff, and other issues.
• Skipping conditioner: People with thinning hair often avoid conditioners, fearing they will weigh hair down. This can leave hair dull and unmanageable. Look for a hair loss conditioner that provides lightweight moisture to keep your hair looking fuller.
• Rubbing when drying: Roughly rubbing hair with a towel while drying can cause undue friction that breaks already fragile strands. Easy-does-it!
• Heat styling: Overusing blow dryers, flat irons, or curling irons can weaken strands, leading to increased breakage.
• Being inconsistent: Forgetful about applying your hair loss serum? When you miss days, your scalp and hair won't receive the nutrient-rich ingredients they need to regain a fuller, thicker-looking head of hair.

What styles work better for hair loss? Check out our recent blog on the best hairstyles for hair loss. And, now that the days of cajoling your hair against its will are over, keep an eye out for the next article featuring the best hair care practices for supporting healthier hair.